BPN345: Biomimetic Microfluidic Silk Gland

Project ID

BPN345

Website

Start Date

Mon 2006-Apr-10 18:48:06

Last Updated

Tue 2010-Feb-02 13:58:19

Abstract

We are developing a biomimetic microfluidic device for silk fiber formation that mimics the complexity of in vivo arachnid silk
spinning organs. Current methods of fiber formation involve high temperatures and pressures to extrude polymer fibers, which is
prohibitive for many biological applications such as tissue engineering. Spiders, however, are able to produce high strength silk
fibers under benign conditions. Examination of the spider silk gland reveals that it is essentially a complex microfluidic system.
Through in depth understanding of microscopic hydrodynamics, we are developing a device that mimics the mechanics and
chemistry of arachnid silk glands for the precision production of silk fibers at ambient temperatures and pressures.